Patent Agent

Career Area

Legal and Compliance

When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live.

Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

The Caterpillar IP team is seeking an experienced Patent Agent or Attorney to have broad international exposure to IP matters and work closely with colleagues spread over the globe. The role requires a highly motivated individual that is looking for autonomy and flexibility but is also looking to be part of an enthusiastic team.

• Collaborate with business unit-aligned patent attorneys to manage patent-obtaining work, including the preparation and prosecution of patent applications around the world
• Manage outside counsel in the preparation of most work and personally prepare patent applications and responses to office actions as needed
• Partner with attorneys, engineers, service providers, and other team members to protect Caterpillar’s inventions
• Perform research and analysis, provide guidance on patent issues, and act as a liaison for interdepartmental initiatives
• Work in close coordination with attorneys to identify patents and develop patent applications in preparation for enforcement activity

• Risk Management: Knowledge of processes, tools and techniques for assessing and controlling an organization’s exposure to risks of various kinds; ability to apply knowledge of risk management appropriately to diverse situations
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation
• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations
• Resource Management: Knowledge of the resources required to achieve business objectives; ability to plan, mobilize and distribute resources to fulfill business objectives and plans
• Legal Analysis: Knowledge of methods and tools used in legal analysis; ability to read, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from both legal and factual information
• Legal Function: Knowledge of the major responsibilities, accountabilities, and organization of the legal function or department; ability to provide legal consulting, advice and assistance

• Experience with patent protection related to construction equipment, automotive technology, or engines
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills

• Active USPTO registration as a patent practitioner
• If an attorney, J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials and active Bar admission in any U.S. state

• This position requires the selected candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the Peoria, IL or Irving, TX office
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for those who qualify
• Sponsorship is not available
• Travel up to 5%

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Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

• Medical, dental, and vision…